Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mparntwe Alice Springs, amid the rising anti-social behavior and crime in the town. Mr. Albanese said that the ongoing issues were complex, but promised further federal support.
However, the federal government has rejected calls from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson for the Australian Defence Force or federal police to be deployed to the town.
With the support of the Federal Government, the Northern Territory Government Chief Minister Natasha Fyles announced immediate alcohol measures for Alice Springs:
- One sale per day, per person at all liquor outlets
- Alcohol free days on Monday and Tuesday at takeaway outlets, and
- The sale of alcohol will be restricted to the hours of 3pm and 7pm (excluding Saturday).
further measures were announced, with the funding of the following community safety programs:
- $14 million crime prevention package for community safety including:
- $3 million for more community safety patrols, youth services and family and domestic violence support services in Alice Springs and surrounding town camps
- $11 million to strengthen community safety including early intervention, victim support services and increased security infrastructure
In addition to these measures, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced yesterday that they will be extending the safety and community services funding for Central Australian organisations beyond June 2023 with a $25 million dollar commitment.
Full video of the press conferences below.
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, Minister for Desert Knowledge Australia Chanston Paech and the newly appointed Central Australian Regional Controller, Dorrelle Anderson spoke at a press conference immediately after Mr Albanese.
